Jesse Leonard Leonard Farris Jr.

Jesse Leonard Farris, Jr., 72, sunrise June 13, 1939 - sunset September 15, 2011. Leonard was born in Raleigh. During WWII, Leonard and his mom stayed in Charlotte while his dad served in the Navy. He fondly remembered roving the woods (where IBM/Wells Fargo is now located in Derita) and fishing with a hook made out of a pin. His cohort was the family dog that somehow knew to lead Leonard home at sunset. He and his cousin, Teresa, fought over Grandma Blanchette’s last fried apple pie! Grandma almost took a stick to him when he told her that he heard FDR had died – she thought he was fibbing (or kidding!) When he was 7, the family moved to Rockingham and that town and its fond memories dwelt in his heart forever. His first friend, Bill, who loved next door became a dear life-long friend. In high school, football was his game. He tried basketball, but early on during a game he scored a basket for the opposing team! He was fortunate to have been coached by the legendary Coach Bill Eutsler and play with many talented teammates. He was “good” as a fullback – scored some winning touchdowns! Much of his heart belonged to his Rockingham friends and Len’s family thanks them for all the years of support.

In March of 1956, he ventured over to the “arch-rival high school Hamlet” to watch the girls basketball game. Johnnie didn’t notice Leonard while she was playing, but at half-time of the boys game (after Johnnie had asked her friend Betty and her Rockingham beau who he was) they finally met. Leonard pulled off Johnnie’s cheerleader toboggan and that started it all! They began to date and then shared many wonderful memories of times such as Johnnie’s junior prom and the beach trip that followed. After graduating from Rockingham High School in 1957, Leonard went off to Wingate, played football and the relationship waned. In May of 1958, Leonard left Wingate and joined the US Marine Corps. Parris Island, Memphis, California were his bases. Leonard and Johnnie spoke when he was home for Christmas before he left for California. In the fall of 1960, Leonard came home on leave before shipping out to Japan. He ran in to some of Johnnie’s friends in Hamlet and they dared Leonard to call her. They had a wonderful reunion….almost got married..but Johnnie couldn’t join Leonard in Japan. They wrote to each other for the next year while living their separate lives. Unfortunately, Leonard’s dad died suddenly in November of 1961. Johnnie and Leonard were once again reunited and then engaged in March of 1962. Leonard went back to Wingate. Then, on December 22, 1962, Leonard and Johnnie were married!! Leonard moved to Raleigh with Johnnie and enrolled in NC State. While at NCSU, he worked as Page Supervisor in the 1963 session of the General Assembly and as Press Clerk for the House in 1965. He was also the President of the NCSU Young Democrats Club. They welcomed their first child, Len, on May 20, 1965, who at 6 weeks old became and “Honorary Page for the House.” Upon graduating NC State on May 28, 1966, Leonard accepted a sales-rep position with American Meter Company. While in training, they welcomed their second son, Michael, on June 12, 1966. The family then moved to Atlanta in November of that year and met their wonderful London friend, Christine. They bought their first home in Avondale Estates but then transferred to Richmond, VA only three months later. There they met some reps in the medical sales field and in 1969, Leonard joined Johnson & Johnson- the beginning of his medical sales career. On August 13, 1969, they were blessed with their daughter, Jacque. The built a new home in Midlothian, a suburb of Richmond and moved in 1969…what a year!

An opportunity with Medtronic portable defibulators brought the Farris family to Charlotte on January 21, 1973. They found their home and had a wonderful experience living there. They joined their community pool/tennis club and extended their family circle of friends. Leonard was president of the club when new tennis courts were added. Incarnation Lutheran became their haven. Boy Scouts, Little League, MAC charter members…Leonard was always supportive of the children’s choices of adventure in sports and enjoyed all the “times….win or lose.”

Leonard was taken aback when Johnnie announced she wanted 6 children! After three in four years, he was relieved when Johnnie changed her mind. But, she got them after all – in 1991, Laurie, the first to call Johnnie “mama Johnnie, as she became their daughter; in 1994, Will became their favorite son-in-law; and kind-hearted Annie joined them in 1995! So they got their six! They happily welcomed their grandchildren: Taylor in 1994; Drew, 1997; Jessica, 1997; Madeline, 1998; Hannah, 2000 and Lily, 2001. Even during difficult times, he loved having his grands visit. His pride in them and all the folks he loved showed in his eyes.

Leonard relished his adventures as a volunteer in many golf tournaments including the Kemper US Open and the LPG Open as well as the NC Amateur Tournament in Pinehurst. In 2004, Len called and told his dad he had one extra ticket to the World Series in Boston – and of course, Leonard was there (and loved it!)

Although many miles had separated Len and his family, they have always been supportive and attentive. Leonard and Johnnie shared many precious times up north and at the NC beaches. The love and acts of kindness…visits, calls…here with just a moment’s notice…always warmed Leonard’s heart.

Michael is the “local to go” man. He would meet Johnnie at the hospitals so many times and Annie was always right there too – they both have hearts of gold filled with love.

Jacque, Daddy’s little girl, was able to be with Leonard and have many wonderful conversations with her dad as she stayed in hospitals with him to give Johnnie some rest. He did spoil Jacque, but she surely deserved it.

Leonard and Johnnie talked many times of how blessed their lives have been. Old friends, new friends, good health for many years. They may have been working in the yard and then just taken off to play a round of golf – 9 holes – at their local course. Leonard always beat Johnnie’s score! But, tennis was Johnnie’s game and he could never catch her. Sitting on the deck and cooking out was so special. Having their home open to welcome all their extended families and friends warmed Leonard’s heart.

While it is hard to let Leonard go, we know he is well again and in the arms of our Lord. May each of you find comfort that he is in his heavenly home and no longer suffering. Although the past 11 years have been challenging, Leonard enjoyed all the continued love and acts of kindness. Remember today is the “present” as it is a gift. JBF